Description of the attraction
King John's Castle is a medieval fortress in the Irish city of Limerick. It is located in the historic center of the city on the so-called King's Island and is one of the main and most popular attractions in Limerick.
The second half of the 12th century was marked for Ireland by a large-scale invasion of the Normans, which, in fact, marked the beginning of the colonization of the emerald island by the British. In 1174, located on the banks of the Shannon River and was at that time part of the Kingdom of Thomond, Limerick was burned almost to the ground, but after the conquest by the Anglo-Normans, it was quickly rebuilt. The strategic position of Limerick largely determined its future fate, and soon the city became a major trade center. In order to protect Limerick, already in 1200, by order of King John Lackland, the construction of the castle began, which lasted almost ten years. In the following centuries, the castle was repeatedly expanded and rebuilt, rebuilt after numerous sieges, turning as a result into a powerful fortress.
Today, King John's Castle is an important historical monument and an excellent example of medieval fortification architecture. After extensive reconstruction in 2011-2013, a museum was opened in the castle, the exposition of which, using modern technologies, perfectly illustrates the turbulent history of Limerick. You can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a bygone era by strolling through the castle courtyard, where you will see various objects and devices of the life and life of medieval Limerick, and climbing the fortress wall, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. It is worth paying attention to the remains of buildings from the Viking Age, discovered on the territory of the castle during archaeological excavations. There is also a small cozy cafe in the castle, where you can relax and exchange impressions after an entertaining "journey" in time.
